Better! A lot better, in fact. Although I had my apprehensions when I saw an unchanged team, and even more apprehensions after these first 40 sleepy minutes (I use the term advisedly – my armchair was very comfortable!) when nothing was really happening at all. But once the first goal went in, Celtic never really looked back and finished the game comfortably on top.
The difference was James Forrest. Not only did he take the first goal well, but he also played a far better game in the second half than he had played so far this season. Callum McGregor was the Man of the Match, (and he played well, as always!) and one could have put up a strong case for Ryan Christie was well, but I would have gone for James because of the difference that he made to the team.
And what a wonderful player Jeremie Frimpong is! His running at the defence is a sight to behold. He was in danger of becoming a forgotten man at Celtic Park, but not now. He is simply a great player. The third goal was a great one, and made almost entirely by Jeremie Frimpong.
I was a bit sorry for Patryck Klimala. This was his opportunity which quite a few of us were advocating, but he missed his two chances. The first chance came on him too quickly, the other he had perhaps too much time. Yet he did look as if he wanted to play with loads of running and enthusiasm. He may come yet.
But full marks to Neil Lennon. He made a few mistakes on Wednesday, and he said a few things at the end that might have been considered unwise, but he did stick by his men, and although it didn’t look like it during that boring first half, the team came good and ran out worthy winners today.
I would have loved to see David Turnbull today but maybe today was not the best game for him against his old team. He will have other opportunities. In the meantime, we have an International break, and then Ross County at Dingwall. And tomorrow we will find out what is likely to happen in the Europa League. A lot to play for, and the world does now seem to be a better place than it was on Wednesday night.
And was nice to hear from our two old worthies Gordon Strachan and John Hartson. It seems so long since Gordon Strachan was that cheeky annoying redhead in Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen side that everyone wanted to punch, doesn’t it? Well, it is 40 years! John Hartson has recovered well from his illness, and tells us that he is a Swansea City supporter. We might have guessed that from his accent!
David Potter
